Kyrgyzstan is commemorating the anniversary of the tragic events in Aksy, when 5 people were shot dead by security forces in the south of Kyrgyzstan. 5 years is not such a big term in the historical context, but according to a number of Kyrgyz newsmakers, this anniversary is to become a milestone in the modern history of Kyrgyzstan.

It’s also the second anniversary of the tulip revolution that Kyrgyzstan is “celebrating” on March 24.

It’s, indeed, safe to state that March has earned the fame of a month with a very special karma for Kyrgyz politics.

This year we can certainly expect a massive déjà vu, descending on us in the last decade of March.

Anticipations. March 2007

With certain optimism I can state that we’ve already survived March 17th- Aksy commemoration ceremony in Kara Djigach village was more or less quite. The president met with mourning families of those who died 5 years ago and expressed his sympathies. The head of the country couldn’t help mentioning that some politicians keep trying to use the tragedy in Aksy in their own political interests.

21 of March is the day when Kyrgyzstan traditionally celebrates Noorus. It can coincide with oppositional protests. It’s nothing you really- all the same mess. “We want constitutional reforms ”- state opposition leaders. When they wanted reforms last November the capital was standing still because of mass protests of those who are well trained for getting “mobilized” very quickly.

There is only one way to avert people from expressing their outrage in our context- to offer them some alternative celebrations. The government is trying hard now to make sure that everyone is entertained and busy enough on 21st not to think about protesting. It is suggested to start celebrating Noorus from the early morning- namely at 10 o clock. There will be all sorts of different things catered for those who are eager to celebrate. Here is the abstract from the note about officially staged events:

“ Our celebration will start at 10.30. In the downtown different sports and entertainment competitions will be staged during the day. In the evening a concert, featuring all starts, will take place in downtown Bishkek ”.

It’s not clear yet weather opposition leaders will choose to join these celebrations or will stage own “alternative” events

March 24 is to appear in the Kyrgyz calendar as the “Day of national Celabration”. Authorities were struggling with the name, but at the end of the day decided to keep it sweet and simple. Some people still prefer to call it the Day of Looters. So it’s all about the freedom of choice, really. Everyone is going to celebrate this March in Kyrgyzstan based on own understanding of the importance of events, that have been shattering the country lately. The main hope, though, that there will be no need to update the calendar of official “celebrations” in Kyrgyzstan at the point when March 2007 will turn into history.